By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — A Bible Seminar was organised by Servant Communities Emmaus under the purview of the Archdiocesan Commission for Bible and Faith at the Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall from 27-29 March 2026.
The aptly chosen theme for the seminar was: Rooted in Christ, Grow in Faith, Live in Gratitude, the Archdiocese of Kuching’s 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee theme, recently launched on 18 March. The Bible Seminar was conducted by Fr Thomas Bobby Emprayil VC, the Provincial Superior of St Thomas Province Vincentian Congregation and Director of Divine Glory Ministries, Manipur, India.
Healing Rallies were held on the evenings of 28 and 29 March at the Blessed Sacrament Church, drawing a large crowd from the Christian Community. Fr Bobby was in Kuching for a similar seminar and rally last year.
Chairperson for the Commission for Bible and Faith, Msgr William Sabang extended a warm welcome to Fr Bobby, acknowledging him as a global speaker whose ministry focuses on evangelisation, Bible Seminars and healing rallies.
Fr Bobby said it is through the Holy Spirit that the Word is broken. In his talks, he broke down the key words for the theme and through examples taken from the Word of God, explained what each component meant.
God’s Will
It is the will of God to save everyone. Hence every suffering is “an embrace of the Mother.” The cross is a symbol of pain. The instrument of pain (hurt/punishment) becomes an instrument of salvation.
Sirach 40 makes us reflect on the misery of Human Life. We must be “rooted in Christ” to overcome all sufferings. This leads us to “faith”. When we grow in faith, we want to give thanks for all things … that’s “gratitude”.
Colossians 2:7 “keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving.”
Ephesians 3:17 “I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundations in love.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Psalms 100:4 “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, give thanks to him, bless His name!”
The nature of love is to give. The nature of God is “eternally giving”. Hence, the three things we must strive to uphold are “Thanksgiving, Forgiving, and Almsgiving”.
Throughout the seminar, participants sang with gusto Rooted in Christ, Grow in Faith, Live in Gratitude … composed into a short and catchy song by Fr Bobby’s music-man Johns Jose.
Healing Rally
Fr Bobby led two nights of Healing Rally where he talked on the sins of Pride and the steps we need to take to repent so we can receive anointing. We are to surrender our sins and give praise and thanks. He blessed the youth, single adults, widows and widowers, couples and families.
Many participants at both the Bible Seminar and Healing Rally expressed thanks and gave praise after being touched by the Holy Spirit.
